Mission Statement, Vision and Core Values

Our Mission

The Arc of Alameda County provides advocacy, support, and education to persons with developmental and intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Alameda County.

Our Vision is that every individual and family affected by intellectual and development disabilities in Alameda County will have access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to participate as active members of their communities. The Arc offers vocational training and life skills and education to almost 400 clients with I/DD at 4 locations in the County of Alameda (San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, and Livermore.) Our Hayward campus also features a program for preschoolers who have developmental disabilities.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families shall have access to the supports they need to live a decent American life.

By assuring they are valued, respected, and included in all communities.

By assisting them in choosing their services and supports from many available sources.

By empowering them through nonprofit advocacy, and assuring that State and Federal governments administer programs and set budgets that meet everyone’s needs.

Core Values

People First. The Arc of Alameda County works toward ensuring that all people have the fundamental moral, civil, and constitutional rights and opportunities to live, learn, work, play, and worship in communities or their choosing.

Democracy. The Arc of Alameda County is an organization of, by, and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Our policy decisions are made by informed voting members.

Visionary Leadership. The Arc of Alameda County leads by promoting its Mission and Core Values. We lead with integrity and accountability through open, honest, and timely communication. We work with individuals, organizations, and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. There is a valued partnership with volunteer and staffing leadership at all levels of the organization that provides mutual support for their respective roles.

Community Participation. The Arc of Alameda County works toward and believes in the Community Imperative: that all people have the fundamental moral, civil, and constitutional rights to live, learn, work, play, and worship in safe and healthy communities of their choosing.

Diversity. The Arc of Alameda County seeks and supports diverse leadership and membership. Our concept of diversity includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, socio-economic status, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender, family status, and level of disability.

Integrity and Excellence. Members and leaders of The Arc of Alameda County promote our Mission and Core Values with integrity and accountability. We conduct our business according to the highest ethical standards.

Who We Are

A Leader in Disability Rights

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We encompass all ages and more than 100 different diagnoses including Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X syndrome, and various other developmental disabilities.

Arc clients and staff rally in Sacramento to successfully protest a decade of program cuts.

A Strong National PresenceWith nearly 700 chapters nationwide, The Arc is on the front lines to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have the support and services they need to be fully engaged in their communities.

Deeply Rooted HistoryFounded in 1950, The Arc was comprised of a small group of concerned and passionate parents and community members who would be catalyst for changing the public perception of children with disabilities. For the past 65 + years, The Arc has continued to grow and evolve along with the changing needs and issues faced by people with developmental disabilities.

Blog Feed

A guest Blog from Pat Hornbecker Pat Hornbecker is the mother of an adult son with a developmental disability and is a tireless advocate. Pat has served on the Board of The Arc of San Francisco, the Board of The Arc of California where she served as president, and the Board of Directors of […]